Egyptian FA request to be replaced as Olympic qualifying tournament hosts

The EFA say that Egypt is not prepared for the security challenge of hosting the 2012 Olympic qualifying tournament during parliamentary elections.The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has requested that the Confederation of African Football (Caf) finds a replacement for the 2012 Olympic qualifying tournament due to security concerns.The tournament, which is scheduled from November 26 to December 10, coincides with the dates set for parliamentary elections and Egyptian officials have decided that hosting the event would be risky considering the tense political situation in their country.“Authorities in Egypt requested not to stage the tournament on home soil because it is equivalent to the timing of the parliamentary elections, which require massive security,” EFA spokesman Azmi Megahed said while speaking to FilGoal.com.Caf have yet to respond to the EFA request but, according to Ahram, early indications are that Algeria are poised to replace the Pharaohs as hosts for the competition.Eight teams, including Egypt, Gabon, South Africa, and Cote D’Ivoire in Group A and Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco, and Senegal in Group B, will vie for just three automatic places reserved for African sides at the 2012 Olympics.The team that finishes fourth will face an AFC opponent in a play-off to determine who travels to London next year.